AGROFORESTRY PRACTICES FOR THE PLAINS STATES

• Sponsoring Institution: National Institute of Food and Agriculture
• Project Status: COMPLETE
• Funding Source: MCINTIRE-STENNIS
• Reporting Frequency: Annual
• Accession No.: 0229233
• Project Start Date: Oct 1, 2012
• Project End Date: Sep 30, 2017
• Program Code: [(N/A)]- (N/A)

Recipient Organization
KANSAS STATE UNIV
(N/A)
MANHATTAN,KS 66506

Performing Department
Horticulture & Forestry

Non Technical Summary
Agroforestry (AF) systems are used in the production of agricultural crops or animals along with tree crops. Agroforestry has a place in mainstream forestry and the Great Plains of the USA is a major area where it could be implemented. The AF resources of Kansas contribute significantly to the prosperity of the state. There are three parts in this project. Nut production from two high value tree species: black walnut and Chinese chestnut. These two species have potential for commercial nut production in the Central Plains States. Second part is black walnut alley cropping. Walnut log production, nut yield, and agricultural crop production in the aisles between tree rows will be evaluated from two previously established plantations that are 15-years-old. The third part of this project is to determine methods of salt cedar eradication. This exotic plant negatively affects rangeland, native riparian vegetation, groundwater supplies, and stream flows. Infestations in Kansas are roughly estimated to occupy greater than 50,000 acres in the Cimarron and Arkansas waterways. Outcomes of this research will be a Kansas Experimentation station publication which will cover planting design, woody plant species to be used, site selection, silvicultural practices, and best management practices for growing alternative income crops in the forest setting. The study of saltcedar eradication methods will have practical implications for land managers. This information will be used by the extension personnel at saltcedar practicums and meetings.

Animal Health Component

50%

Research Effort Categories

Basic

50%

Applied

50%

Developmental

(N/A)

Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)	Subject of Investigation (SOI)	Field of Science (FOS)	Percent
203	0620	1060	100%

Knowledge Area
203 - Plant Biological Efficiency and Abiotic Stresses Affecting Plants;

Subject Of Investigation
0620 - Broadleaf forests of the North;

Field Of Science
1060 - Biology (whole systems);

Keywords

forestry, black walnut, chinese chestnut, nut production, alley

cropping, salt cedar, cropping practices, invasive species

Goals / Objectives
The overarching goal of forestry research at Kansas State University is to develop forestry ecosystems which provide woodland practices and products with ecologically sound management practices. The major goals of this project are to complete existing studies by continuing field studies for alley cropping management and crop production, find new nut cultivars for production, and improve methods of salt cedar (Tamarix spp.) eradication. The objectives are divided into three sections - black walnut (Juglans nigra) and Chinese chestnut (Castanea mollissima) nut production, black walnut alley cropping, and control of the invasive species, salt cedar. Nut production: Black walnut and Chinese chestnut are two species that have potential for commercial nut production in the Great Plains. Black walnut nut production will be conducted with on-the-ground tree models developed in previously supported MS projects. An improved seed production orchard is being developed with the US Forest Service North Central Station and the Kansas Forest Service. We will be evaluating continuous annual nut production and tree growth as well as evaluating brome grass yields under a 15-year-old tree canopy. Year 1. Evaluate previous records. Establish young chestnut orchard. Year 2, 3, 4. Collect nut yield data and growth measurements. Analyze data. Year 5. Write manuscripts and best management practice publications. Black walnut alley cropping: We will continue to evaluate walnut grown with this combination of crops and walnut trees in the western areas of its natural growth range. Year 1. Evaluate previous records. Year 2 ,3, 4. Collect grass yield data and solar illumination beneath canopy. Analyze data. Year 5. Write manuscripts and best management practice publications. Reclamation of salt cedar invaded area: Evaluate methods of removal of this plant and replacement with original native cottonwood and willow seedlings in the US Forest Service Cimarron National Grassland located near Elkhart, Kansas and to provide best management plans for salt cedar eradication and management flood plain vegetation. Year 1, 2, 3. Reclamation of salt cedar invaded area: Apply 10 newly screened (best) herbicide combinations as a basal spray with diesel crop oil carrier to cut stumps in the spring of the year to 100 plants. Evaluate efficacy during October. Also apply 10 foliage herbicides as a foliage spray in mid-summer to plots and basal trunk spray to individual salt cedar plants in the spring. Evaluate efficacy during October. Analyze data. Year 4. Reclamation of salt cedar invaded area: repeat year 3 treatments. Evaluate efficacy during October. Analyze data. Year 5. Write manuscripts and best management practice publications. Outcomes of this research will be a Kansas Experiment Station publication which will cover planting design, woody plant species to be used, site selection, silvicultural practices, and best management practices for growing alternative income crops in a forest setting. The study of salt cedar eradication methods will have practical implications for land managers. This information will be used by the extension personnel at salt cedar practicum and meetings.

Project Methods
Nut production: Black walnut nut production will be conducted with on-the-ground tree models developed in previously supported MS federal projects. An improved seed production orchard is being developed with the USFS North Central Station and the Kansas Forest Service. Thinnings are now being undertaken. In 5 years nut production will be evaluated by tree source. This orchard was planted with "best" stock from our plantings. This research conducted at KSU Tuttle Creek Research Area and KSU Ashland Agronomy Farm. Chinese chestnut is a highly productive bearing nut tree with a great potential for growth in the Midwest. A cooperative project with the USDA will evaluate nut production from 25-year-old trees. Yields will be measured each year for 5 years. Selection of the best trees for a second generation seed orchard will provide important information for growers after 5 years. Research being conducted at the NRCS Plant Materials Center, Ashland, KS. Yields will be taken in the fall annually for both tree species along with tree size. Field planting design is a complete randomized block. SAS GLM procedure will be used to analyze data. Black walnut alley cropping: Walnut log production, nut yield, and agricultural crop production in the aisles between tree rows will continue to be evaluated from two previously established plantations that are 15-years-old at KSU Ashland Agronomy Farm, Ashland, KS. Original planting was 10 rows of walnut, 40 ft apart. Alleys tested various horticultural and agronomic crops. Presently brome grass is being evaluated for canopy effects on yields. Grass samples are taken two times each season: one during July and another during late October to evaluate yields and nutritive quality. Field planting design is a complete randomized block. SAS GLM procedure will be used to analyze data. Reclamation of salt cedar invaded area: Treatments to rid riparian areas of salt cedar include mechanical clearing and a combination of burning and herbicide application, cutting and herbicide application to stumps and various combinations of cutting, fire, and herbicides. Initially, methods will be evaluated for killing salt cedar plants with various FDA approved herbicides. Both basal and foliar treatment methods will be compared. Herbicides tested will be individual cut stump applications of glyphosate alone and in combinations with 2,4-D and/or imazapyr; triclopyr; Crossbow; and Pathfinder II. Materials will be applied each spring and evaluated in the autumn every year for a period of two growing seasons. Four, one-hundredth acre size plots will be treated and the ground vegetation evaluated along one diagonal line strip with 3, 0.25 m2 square frames. Randomized complete block field designs will be implemented with both the individual 10-tree/herbicide replications and the 4-plot foliar replications. Analysis of variance and/or Chi-square procedures will be implemented at the 5% level of significance. These treatments will be compared to the cut and burn eradication techniques currently implemented by the US Forest Service. Field planting design is a complete randomized block. SAS GLM procedure will be used to analyze data.

Progress 10/01/12 to 09/30/17

Outputs
Target Audience:Scientific community, land owners, extension personnel, state and federal agency personnel. Changes/Problems:The researcher (Wayne Geyer) working on the chestnut production project passed away, thus, that portion of the project was not completed. Other scientists with a wildife focus joined the project. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Many training and profession development opportunities were provided by this project, cited below. Fall Forestry Field Day, Towanda, KS - October 13, 2016 Commercial Pesticide Application Training Program, "Cut-stump treatment" McPherson, KS - November 21, 2016. Kansas Natural Resources Conference, Wichita, KS - January 26 & 27, 2017 Walnut Council Field Day, Overland Park, KS - June 2, 2017 Agroforestry Field Day, Barnes, KS - June 8, 2017 Oklahoma Riparian and Range Restoration Workshop, "Tamarisk and Johnsongrass Control" Goodwell, OK - September 19, 2017 Kansas Riparian and Range Restoration Workshop, "Saltcedar Control" Ashland, KS - September 21, 2017 Oklahoma Riparian and Range Restoration Workshop, Goodwell, OK - September 19, 2017 Kansas Riparian and Range Restoration Workshop, Ashland, KS - September 21, 2017 How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Journal articles, abstracts, conferences, field days, electronic newsletters, radio. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Numerous faculty with natural resource interests were part of this project. The Alley Cropping research project was completed. During the first 15 years of black walnut establishment, smooth brome grown as an alley crop averaged 5800 kg/ha forage production. In years 16-18, smooth brome production was 3460 kg/ha in the center alley with reduced production near the trees. Forage quality was not affected. Invasive species (Salt cedar and Eastern redcedar)control was addressed. Salt cedar was sprayed in the late summer (August 29, 2014 and September 17, 2015) on the Cimarron National Grasslands. Mortality averaged 93% and 84% for trees foliarly treated with 1% imazapyr and 1% imazapic, respectively. Basal treatment of saltcedar with 10% triclopyr in diesel resulted in 44% control 1 year after treatment. Salt cedar sprayed on September 2, 2016 were evaluated in 2017. Mortality was 20% and 60% for trees foliarly treated with 1% imazapyr and 1% imazapic, respectively. Basal treatment of saltcedar with 10% triclopyr in diesel resulted in 100% control 1 year after treatment. Foliar treatments were probably lower because of reduced precipitation in September and October 2016 (<18% of normal). A windbreak/crop yield study was conducted with additional support from the U.S. Forest Service. Increased yields were documented for soybeans and wheat protected by windbreaks. This work resulted in a Master's thesis, cited elsewhere. Land-use change is occurring at an unprecedented rate and impacting native biodiversity across the Great Plains. Two major landscape changes, agriculture and urbanization, are recognized as key drivers of population declines and redistribution of many native wildlife species and communities. Work has focused on understanding how urbanization and agriculture impact species in the Flint Hills ecosystem. Work documenting the potential negative effects of land-use change in the Flint Hills on carnivore communities has resulted in a manuscript currently 'In Submission' at the peer-reviewed Journal of Wildlife Management. Additionally, this work has been presented at 5 professional scientific conferences and a portion of this work has been featured on National Geographic website. (http://voices.nationalgeographic.com/2017/03/23/creation-of-a-national-urban-wildlife-monitoring-network-helps-build-wildlife-friendly-cities/).

Publications

• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Osorio, R.M. and C.J. Barden. 2017. Great Plains Windbreak/Crop Yield Study. Society of American Foresters National Convention, Madison, WI. Journal of Forestry (abstract)115 (2):S124.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Galgamuwa, G.A.P , J. Wang and C.J. Barden. 2017. Eastern Redcedar (Juniperus virginiana) Encroachment in a Forest-Prairie Ecotone: A Spatiotemporal Analysis. Society of American Foresters National Convention, Madison, WI. Journal of Forestry (abstract)115 (2):S124.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Wait K.R. and Ahlers A.A. 2016. Does prey availability, competition, or land-use change affect carnivore distributions across urban land-use gradients? The Wildlife Society 23rd Annual Conference. Raleigh, NC.
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Raynor, E.J., T. Cable, B. Cox, and B. Sandercock. 2017. Effects of Tamarix removal on community dynamics of riparian birds in a semiarid grassland. Journal of Restoration Ecology 25(5): 778-787.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Wait K.R. and Ahlers A.A. 2017. Urban land-use and prey availability affect carnivore distributions in a prairie ecosystem. In Proc. (abstract) Kansas Natural Resources Conference, Wichita, KS. p. 18.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Galgamuwa, G.A.P. et al. 2017. Prescribed Burning and Mechanical Thinning to Reverse Mesophication of Oak Woodlands in Kansas. In Proc. (abstract) Kansas Natural Resources Conference, Wichita, KS. p. 11.
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Barden C.J., C.R. Boyer, B.M. Morales, and L. Fisher. 2017. Promoting red elm (Ulmus rubra Muhl.) germination with gibberellic acid. Journal of Forestry. 115(5)393-396. doi.org/10.5849/jof.15-045.
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Submitted Year Published: 2018 Citation: Wait KR, Ricketts AW, and Ahlers AA. 20XX. Submitted. Land-use change structures carnivore communities in remaining tallgrass prairie. Journal of Wildlife Management.
• Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Osorio, R.M. 2017. GIS approach on windbreak crop yield effect in Kansas-Nebraska. M.S. Thesis. Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS. 73 pp.
• Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Wait K.R. 2017. Contemporary land-use change structures carnivore communities in remaining tallgrass prairie. M.S. Thesis. Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS. 65 pp.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Fick, W.H. 2016. Impact of herbicides on saltcedar and associated vegetation. Proc. North Central Weed Sci. Soc., Des Moines, IA. Vol. 71:199.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Fick, W.H. 2017. Response of saltcedar and associated vegetation to herbicides. ? In Proc. (abstract) Kansas Natural Resources Conference, Wichita, KS. p. 14.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Galgamuwa, G.A.P, C.J. Barden, J. Hartman and T. Rhodes. 2017. Oak Woodland Prescribed Fire Effects on Fuel Loading and Seedling Regeneration. Society of American Foresters National Convention, Madison, WI. Journal of Forestry (abstract) 115 (2):S83.

Progress 10/01/15 to 09/30/16

Outputs
Target Audience:Evaluation and control of salt cedar will continue. Changes/Problems:W. Geyer is deceased. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Journal articles, abstracts, electronic newsletters, radio What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Evaluation and control of salt cedar will continue.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Salt cedar sprayed on September 17, 2015 were evaluated in 2015. Mortality was 94% and 84% for trees foliarly treated with 1% imazapyr and 1% imazapic, respectively. Basal treatment of saltcedar with 10% triclopyr in diesel resulted in 43 % control 1 year after treatment. Treatments were repeated on September 2, 2016.

Publications

• Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2016 Citation: Fick, W.H. 2016. Ecology and management of saltcedar. p. 701-702. In: A. Iwaasa, H.A. (Bart) Lardner, M. Schellenberg, W. Willms, and K. Larson (eds.) Proc. 10th International Rangeland Congress, July 16-22, 2016, Saskatoon, SK.

Progress 10/01/14 to 09/30/15

Outputs
Target Audience:Scientific community, land owners, extension personnel, federal agency personnel Changes/Problems:W. Geyer has retired and no longer active on the project. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Journal articles, abstracts, electronic newsletters, radio What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Evaluation and control of salt cedar will continue.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? During the first 15 years of black walnut establishment, smooth brome grown as an alley crop averaged 5800 kg/ha forage production. In years 16-18, smooth brome production was 3460 kg/ha in the center alley with reduced production near the trees. Forage quality was not affected. Salt cedar sprayed on August 29, 2014 were evaluated in 2015. Mortality was 92% and 85% for trees foliarly treated with 1% imazapyr and 1% imazapic, respectively. Basal treatment of saltcedar with 10% triclopyr in diesel resulted in 44% control 1 year after treatment. Treatments were repeated on September 16, 2015.

Publications

• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Geyer, W.A., and W.H. Fick. 2015. Yield and forage quality of smooth brome in a black walnut alley-cropping practice. Agroforestry Systems 89:107-112.

Progress 10/01/13 to 09/30/14

Outputs
Target Audience: Foresters, range managers, county and state agriculture personnel Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? KSU hosted the National Walnut Council meeting in June 2014 with over 200 participants from across the country. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Oral presentation was made at the national walnut meeting. A poster was presented at the KS Agr. Conference. At the Kansas Natural Resources Conference in Wichita, KS two posters were presented. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nut Production - collect annual nut production yields for Black Walnut and Chinese. Alley Cropping - Brome grass in alleys will be fertilized and cropped. Salt Cedar - Additional cut surface and foliage spray treatments will be applied during the summer months.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? This project has three goals: 1) nut production; 2) black walnut alley cropping evaluations; 3) salt cedar eradication. Nut production - on a yearly basis the annual nut production yields for black walnut and Chinese were determined. Alley cropping - brome grass in alleys were fertilized and cropped. Forage analysis was determinedf for grass nutiriton for cattle. Salt cedar -- additional cut surface and foliage spray treatments were applied during the summer months. Data was collected fromt he previous year's treatment.

Publications

Progress 01/01/13 to 09/30/13

Outputs
Target Audience: Foresters, range managers, county and state agriculture personnel. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Oral presentation was made at the National Herbicide Science mtg. A poster was presented at the KS Agr. Conference. At the KS Natural Resources Conference in Wichita, KS two posters were presented. Two scientific publications were made on black walnut site identification and a plant guide on bur oak. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? This project has three goals: 1) nut production; 2) black walnut alley cropping evaluations; 3) salt cedar eradication.) Nut production--Yearly annual nut production yields for black walnut and Chinese wil be collected. Alley cropping-- Brome grass in alleys will be fertilized and cropped. Forage analysis will be determined for grass nutrition for cattle. Salt cedar -- Additional cut surface and foliage spray treatments will be applied during the summer months.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? This project has three goals: 1) nut production; 2) black walnut alley cropping evaluations; 3) salt cedar eradication.) Nut production--Yearly annual nut production yields for black walnut and Chinese were determined. Alley cropping-- Brome grass in alleys were fertilized and cropped. Forage analysis was determined for grass nutrition for cattle. Salt cedar -- Additional cut surface and foliage spray treatments were applied during the summer months. Data was collected from the previous years treatments.

Publications

Progress 01/01/12 to 12/31/12

Outputs
OUTPUTS: This project has three goals: 1) nut production; 2) black walnut alley cropping evaluations; 3) salt cedar eradication.) Nut production--Yearly annual nut production yields for black walnut and Chinese have been determined. Alley cropping-- Brome grass in alleys were fertilized and cropped. Forage analysis was determined for grass nutrition for cattle. Salt cedar -- Additional cut surface and foliage spray treatments were applied during the summer months. PARTICIPANTS: Geyer, W.A. Professor and project leader. TARGET AUDIENCES: Foresters, range managers, county and state agriculture personnel PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Oral presentation was made at the National Herbicide Science mtg in Kentucky in December. In October a poster was presented at the KS Agr. Conference. In February at the KS Natural Resources Conference in Wichita KS two posters were presented. Two scientific publications were made on black walnut site identification and a plant guide on bur oak.

Publications

• Geyer, W. and Ponder,F. 2012. Transferring site information for black walnut from native woodlands in southeastern Kansas USA to identify sites for agroforestry purposes. Agroforestry Systems. ON line May 2012.
• Row, J, Geyer, W and Nesom G. 2012. Bur oak Plant Guide NRCS data base. Wash. D.C.